Domestic sewage treatment plants - distances

When planning the installation of a domestic sewage treatment plant, it is important start with the possible locations of both the tank and the treated sewage receiver. There are regulations that define the minimum distances of the treatment tank as well as the infiltration system.

When locating a treatment plant, remember to:

• Maintain a 5-m distance from the windows and external doors of the building (for single-family housing), NOTE: there are regulations that allow for a closer location if the tank is vented through high ventilation, i.e., a sewage system led out at least 60 cm from the upper edge of the windows and building door,
• Keep a 2-m distance from the plot border, pedestrian route and road (measured from the edge of hatches and all ventilation exhausts),
• Keep a minimum distance of 15m from the tank to the drinking water well,
• Maintain a minimum distance of 30m between the infiltration system and the drinking water well,
• Keep at least 1m away from telecommunications cables,
• Keep at least 3m from the gas connection,
• Keep at least 0.8m away from electrical cables,
• Keep at least 1.5m from the water supply.

The optimal location of the sewage treatment plant permits the gravitational flow (without pumps) of the sewage through the treatment system. This is especially important in the event of power cuts. Also, the sewage treatment plant tank should not be located in sites with a risk of flooding with surface water, e.g., in depressions. Proper operation also requires the disposal of solid sludge by a slurry tanker – usually a volume up to 2m³ once every 12 months; please keep this in mind when planning the location.